The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Harold Bernard Cordes (ASN: 37243852), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 22d Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 2 August 1944, during action near Villebaudon, France. On that date, one of the tanks advancing with Sergeant Cordes’ regiment was hit and set on fire. Sergeant Cordes, noticing that a wounded crew member was trapped inside the burning tank, fearlessly braved intense enemy fire falling in the area and went to the endangered soldier’s aid. Completely disregarding his own safety, the intrepid soldier mounted the flaming tank, and although burned severely and wounded by enemy fire, he succeeded in extricating the trapped crew member. Sergeant Cordes’ conspicuous heroism, and his unselfish courage and loyal devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.